After chasing Zach Daum for the first five laps, Larson tested top and bottom of the track before rolling by the Illinois racer on the cushion exiting Turn 2. Moving top-shelf in pursuit of the McDonald’s No. 01, Daum as unable to keep pace as Larson reeled in slower traffic.

“That might be the second time I got Zach in a prelim night,” Larson said. “They work the track before the feature so as the leader you just run the bottom until you hear somebody or see somebody. I was just able to get around him. It was just nice to get to the lead there and run a good pace, but I was hoping I would get a caution before I got close to traffic.”

Earlier, Tanner Thorson led non-stop to claim his second victory in the 11th annual Vacuworx Invitational Race of Champions. Wheeling a new Clyde Lamar-owned entry, the famed No. 3c from California was untouchable. Outrunning Larson to the win, the final podium step went to hard-charging Oklahoman Christopher Bell, who advanced 12 positions. Ryan Bernal and J.J. Yeley completed the top-five.

The week began with Californian Logan Seavey leading the 25-lap A-Feature flag-to-flag to win the first Monday Qualifying Night event from pole position in the Keith Kunz Motorsports No. 67. “To have the night we had, everything just fell into place, and that’s kind of what it takes for this race is for stuff just to go your way,” said Seavey, the 44th different Preliminary Night winner. Seavey and runnerup Brady Bacon advanced into Saturday night’s A-Feature.

Tuesday’s program saw 69 drivers drawing in to bring the event total to 132. Through the second night of action, the Chili Bowl Flip Count is up to 15. All drivers have been able to walk away.

The Chili Bowl Nationals continue Wednesday with Hard Rock Hotel and Casino-Tulsa Qualifying Night. Hot Laps will get underway at 4 p.m. (CST) with racing at 5 p.m. A field of 74 drivers is expected.

Fans can follow all Chili Bowl action on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with @CBNationals. All official press, updates and results can be found online at http://www.chilibowl.com.